Shakespeare and the Jews |
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James Shapiro
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Pages: 320 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 0231103441
Pub: Columbia University Press
Pub date: 1996-01-08
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 497808
Reader Reviews:
Enlightening (1/1 people found this helpful)
Firstly this is not an 'easy' read. It is a meticulously researched historical exploration of the status of Jews in England from the 'expulsion' to well beyond Shakespeare's period, which also seeks to shed light on 'The Merchant of Venice'. In this it succeeds absolutely. Prof Shapiro leaves the reader to draw conclusions from the research whilst dispelling many accepted views. You will certainly never look at the 'pound of flesh' in quite the same way again.
Incredibly well documented. (2/2 people found this helpful)
The information in this book will astonish one regarding how deeply the English were obsessed with Jews. Because Jews were absent from England for three centuries the English had only the bible and their imagination to inform them about Jews. The Christian bible promoted negative attitudes and the belief that the messiah would come when all Jews became Christians brought up interesting complications that to this day disturb the Vatican! Christianity, the religion of love certainly produced plenty of hate. The analysis of Shylock is extremely interesting and contrary to what we learned in school. The author supplies verses from the original which are usually excluded from present day performances. I now have new insights into Shakespeare and English history.
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Books -> Subjects -> Society, Politics & Philosophy -> Social Sciences -> Multicultural Studies -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Society, Politics & Philosophy -> Social Sciences -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Society, Politics & Philosophy -> Social Sciences -> Cultural Studies -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Music, Stage & Screen -> Performing Arts -> Plays & Drama -> Bestsellers
Books -> Subjects -> History -> Cultural History -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Poetry, Drama & Criticism -> Drama -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Poetry, Drama & Criticism -> History & Criticism -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Poetry, Drama & Criticism -> Shakespeare, William -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Poetry, Drama & Criticism -> Shakespeare, William -> Criticism & Study Aids -> General AAS
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
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Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Hardcover
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